RESIDENTS' fears over the rumoured closure of a town centre hall have been allayed.

People in Chester-le-Street feared that one of their community centres was closing when functions were cancelled last year.

But a £450,000 investment will see the hall, in The Avenue, transformed into a centre for voluntary groups, while maintaining its function venue role.

Chester-le-Street and District Council for Voluntary Services (CVS) is celebrating after learning it has secured funding to refurbish the hall.

Contributions towards the work have been agreed from the National Lottery Charities Board, Coalfields Regeneration Trust, One NorthEast's Community Investment Fund and Christ's Hospital in Sherburn Trust.

The CVS, in Clarence Terrace, is planning to create office accommodation for local voluntary and community groups, as well as improved facilities for residents to hire.

Belinda Lowis, chief officer of the CVS, said yesterday: "It has taken a good deal longer than anticipated to attract all the money that we needed to make the project happen.

"The district council have shown a great deal of commitment to the community, by allowing CVS the time to prepare the necessary funding bids."

While the money is now in place, building work is expected to take some time, and the hall is not expected to be re-opened before Christmas.

Brian Ebbatson, Chester West Durham county councillor and chairman of the CVS, said: "Refurbishing and reopening Bullion Hall will restore an important facility to the local community.

"It is also a significant development for the voluntary sector in the town, which is getting increasing recognition for the vital role it plays in the lives of so many people."

Residents were worried that they would have nowhere for functions and community groups, after they were told that the building was closing last year.

Now, they will have to wait until next year before they can use the facility again.

Councillor Malcolm Pratt, leader of Chester-le-Street District Council, said: "This is a good example of how a redundant public building can benefit the community.